Islands in the Sun

Loving Lorna's hats..couldn't help but think they looked like little volcanic Islands when photographing them. They really make me smile..I can't wait to see the kids versions which aren't far away. What a wonderful warm gift for a sunny birthday - they tick all the boxes for a great gift as far as I am concerned..!! Just arrived in store at both shops and all one offs due to the nature of the product. 

Oh and they fold down..might take one for me too - perfect for my upcoming trip to Vietnam ( counting down the days now :))

Inspiration is all around us

A couple of years ago my husband I spent three wonderful weeks in India with some of our closest friends. Ever since whenever someone mentions the place I think about all that brown dust, dirt and haze offset by a riot of fluorescent colour. 

As we tend to march to our own beat at work, this year we are paying homage to India by inspiring our gift wrapping at Christmas around an Indian Summer. I know its early to start talking Christmas but apparently certain large department stores already have their cards out...crazy!! So folks this is the starting point, the inspiration...

Fathers day ..fantastic gifts for fabulous fellows

for some reason we spend a third less on our poor dads than our mums.. yes men are notoriously difficult to buy for but nevertheless really shouldn't miss out. We are well prepared at Jim & Jane - gift suggestions are abundant, see below for a handful..

sporty dad... father & child ornament..great for the trophy cabinet 

desk bound dad... I find a map of the world helps remind him to think about holidays and warm sunny places he's yet to visit, from left - ceramic map box, Australia cushion, globe and paperweight

great outdoors dad - cool wooden LCD torch from design studio Areaware

Jet setter dad, make sure he has some creature comforts to take away with him - Olivina Olive soap, Redecker bath belt & back brush, Citta design men's toiletry bag and face washer.

good time dad -  Essential games playing cards, marble city coasters and Voluspa Golden cypress candle

fashionable dad - skull cuff links for the dad who leads not follows.

and what about the first time dad..maybe something to remind him what being young again is like..Hanno the Gorilla..after all boys love their toys!

Now this is someone who loved their presents!

This is Em, she has worked for me for 3 years and would have to be one of the happiest humans out there. She turns 21 this week so we took her here for wine, nibbles and presents. The staff at Jim & Jane gave her a Johnny Ramli necklace which she thought had disappeared a long time ago to someone Else's jewellery box so it was a happy reunion! I gave her a wooden art box full of charcoals, pastels, soaps and lots of chocolates from Bon Bon Fine chocolates.

Now officially an adult we hope Em continues dancing to her own beat just like the little artists model did sans hangover!!

You are my sunshine, my only sunshine..

you make me happy when skies are grey...


Such an uplifting sunny couple of days at Jim & Jane last week, despite the weather we had warm thoughts and created Spring instore..amazing how yellow lifts your mood ( apparently orange makes you eat?!!!)

from top..fun quirky on trend Citrus nails from Danks St Beauty..made my husband laugh (of embarrassement?), Gorgeous handmade cards from the divine and talented Kate De Kantzow arrived instore and inspired our shop windows. Big bright happy balloons, sparkly tassles and pom poms galore kept customers children amused and made people smile as they walked by. New competitions..elated winners, reached $400 in our Cancer council gift wrapping donation boxes (only $4600 to go :))  and last but not least discovered Starburst Bananas & Cream..yum!! 

Tattoo fever

Too scared to take the plunge personally but always intrigued by tribal tattoos and tattoo art..maybe its because of my time in New Zealand and the moku ....am seeing a bit of a nod towards this body adornment in both Homewares and fashion at the moment and I like it alot..

from top

Bodycon Harvey Dress from Jim & Jane

Detail of Fornasetti plate from my own collection

Indian stamp, great little token gift from Jim & Jane

Loot

I always think home is where the heart is..we are a clever bunch us antipodeans. Currently I am cleaning out my Jewellery box and seeing where the gaps are for the season ahead so although the last post was jewellery obsessed I am sending you more blinged up images. The great thing is that jewellery always updates a look, doesn't make you take all your clothes off to try on and really is a guilty pleasure and totally acceptable to these days purchase for yourself. 

Australian Jewellery designers are really inspiring us at Jim & Jane. The girls at Mezi Adva & Tal are clever cookies indeed. Not only do they season after season delight us with their modern pieces, they write an awesome blog and are a pleasure to deal with. I am in love with their chain neckpiece and their sparkly bangles remind me of India's beautiful woman layering up their wrist with sparkly bangles..jingle jangle. 

Ghost and Lola are really making splashes in the States and we love their quirky handmade appeal - you really have to see them - little works of art. 

With all the craziness in the world I find people are really drawn to crosses at the moment - somehow whether you are religious or not a cross makes you feel calm. Mimi & Me has the most beautiful unpolished onyx crosses, you can tell they were designed with love.

As always Riley Burnett brings Jim & Jane a riot of colour. All the staff are really enamoured with this new piece with Fools gold, Crysophase and smoky Quartz. They are holding out for a longer version or thinking of wearing back with other silver chains. I personally think put it back with a stripy tee, maxi skirt and watch it pop and the compliments will roll in!!

Greedy glamour and honeyed hues...

Apparently all that glitters is not gold -I beg to differ, I really like anything that sparkles, always have, always will!! After years of yearning for silver am now totally coveting the metal "gold the great". Not only have I been collecting the honeyed hues of my namesake in glass pieces for the house for a while I am now starting on a small concise collection for my Jewellery box.

These amazing vintage inspired earrings by Bridgette Boutry - big rocks set in gold are going to be the first purchase of the season.

I have also got my eyes on the simple chain style ( not really understated but hey??!!) that hang perfectly from your lobes like seventies post modernist chandelier's in a Palm Springs Abode..ooohhh is it greedy to want both?

What would the queen of gold bling Beyonce do..?

Melbourne..wish you were here

Have just got back after 5 days of various trade fairs which were inspiring, exhausting and all consuming. We don't get much time to play or wander so make every dinner a good one as lunch is usually a soggy canteen sandwich and flavourless coffee ( glamourous indeed!). Also got to check out some incredible art as stayed at The Cullen Hotel

First stop was the Izakaya Den - Delicious Japanese in a basement venue. Very cool and Hip.

Followed the following day by our Favourite pit stop this trip - Cookie.

And a tip from an agent of ours - Birdman Eating, lots of yummy nibbles..

Start smiling Sydney

there is alot to be happy about this week in the city...

• New Chocolate shop Bon Bon has opened in the strand - YUM
• The Sculptors society has an exhibition on at Darling Park - FREE to look http://www.sculptorssociety.com/PageShow.aspx?CategoryId=1
• It is unseasonably hot - YIPEE!!! Poor old Melbourne and Auckland..bbrrr
• Summer clothes are hitting the shops- goodbye black hello yellow